Too Many Christian Pastors Have Been Bullied Into Silence on Political Topics. That Needs to Change.
Over the last several weeks, I’ve posted quite a bit on social media about the presidential election. I did this even though I’ve been told my entire adult life by so-called evangelical leaders that talking about politics is not fitting for a pastor. In the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), which I am a part of, we’ve regularly seen many of our “top men” take to various platforms to denounce “divisive online activities.” However, I believed that “neutral silence” (which is never truly neutral) was not the best way to lead the small SBC church in South Carolina that I pastor. Here are seven reasons why.
First, pastors are citizens, too. Pastors shouldn’t necessarily have to be silent about the direction of our nation just because they are also pastors. They aren’t just pastors. They are also citizens. As a pastor and a citizen, they should be a model for their congregation, providing a mature example of applying biblical wisdom to the political sphere in which their members have duties. While we talked and prayed at church about our pressing political issues, I reserved my election-related commentary for personal social media accounts and private conversations as a citizen. In the same way that a pastor can also be a father, simultaneously fulfilling his duties in both of those realms, he can also operate in the public sphere as a citizen.
Second, pastors should lead with transparency and honesty. A congregation should not have to wonder where their shepherds stand on some of the most consequential issues and decisions of our day. Rather, pastors should be forthright and honest about their convictions, and be willing to defend them. In this way, they lead their congregation rather than putting their finger in the wind to determine which issues they can talk openly about within their congregation. Such transparency and honesty breeds trust between a pastor and his people.
Third, political posting is a means of discipleship. In a day in which politics touches everything, a pastor has a duty to guide his congregation to navigate political things faithfully. Avoiding such topics out of fear of conflict or hurting someone’s feelings abdicates his discipleship duties to the world. Someone will catechize his congregation on political matters. It is far better for that “someone” to be the one (the pastor) who will give account for their souls. Further, politics is not some icky, verboten realm where Christians dare not trod. Rather, Christians must bring the Bible to bear on politics, and pastors should help their people do this in practical ways.
Fourth, political posting is a way to signal loyalty to one’s congregation. Granted, this may vary from place to place, but in my context, our church is made up of generally conservative Christians. All the major institutions of society are lined up against them. Advocating for conservative politics signals to them that I am on their side. I want my people to know that I am loyal to them. The President of the United States may call them garbage, but I will stand in the muck with them. They are my people, and I will not sell them out for the approval of their enemies.
Fifth, political posting opens up the permission structures of political discourse. Most people need to feel like they’ve been “given permission” before speaking out on controversial subjects. They don’t want to be left on an island when they express an opinion. Hearing others speak out, especially authority figures like pastors, permits them to do the same. When they see their pastors weigh in on political issues online, they know they are not alone. When enough people voice an opinion about a particular subject, the Overton Window of acceptable positions shifts to include that view. One luxury of my job is that I’m not likely to get fired for my political opinions. Not everyone is in that position, especially if they work for a large corporation. By stewarding that reality well by speaking out, I can help in small ways open the permission structures for more free political speech by all, including those in my congregation.
Sixth, political posting is an opportunity for evangelism in our day where everything is political. For example, there is a major shift rightward among unbelievers, especially among young men. This presents a massive opportunity for evangelism because many of the issues they care about—nations, borders, sound economy, families, health—are grounded in God’s Word. We have the opportunity to show them a way to find true cohesion between their political beliefs and the rest of their lives. Sadly, many churches have been taken captive by a soft-Left political demeanor and approach. They unwittingly accept the Left’s framing and constantly chide the Right. The result is many unbelievers assume they don’t understand the stakes of our current moment and have their heads buried in the sand instead. Speaking out in favor of Right-Wing politics from a distinctly Christian worldview raises a flag to the unbelieving Right in a community that they are welcome. This institution is not against them, and they can find hope for their souls here.
Seventh, political posting is a good filter for the church. Of course, we welcome all to come and hear the glorious gospel in our church, and we desire all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. At the same time, I want to protect our church from being infiltrated by progressives and quasi-leftists. Such members can spoil a church’s unity and derail its mission very quickly. Just evaluate the fruit of Wokeness in the evangelical church over the last ten years. It has proven divisive and anemic. The forthright application of the Bible to political issues and elections can help those who would not fit within our church to self-select out, thereby protecting our church and its mission. This is not to say, of course, that we only aim to proclaim Christ to political conservatives. Of course not! But it is to say that filtering out progressive Christians helps us better fulfill our mission to preach the Gospel to all people.
Conclusion
A pastor speaking publicly about politics ought never to be a partisan hack or a mere shill for any political party or politician. But he ought not to be cowered into silence either, for that is bad for his congregation. Too much is at stake.
Thankfully, the heavy social conditioning that has kept pastors biting their tongues for so long is wearing thin. And there is a massive opportunity for evangelism and discipleship through political discourse on the horizon.
